In this episode of Beyond the Book with JoAnn Dickinson, I sit down with author and educator Maria Cedolini Thompson, whose book Mistakes Are Gifts was inspired by a powerful real-life moment in her classroom.

When a new student was afraid to participate out of fear of making a mistake, Maria knew it was time to create a story that would help all children see mistakes differently. Mistakes Are Gifts teaches young readers that our brains grow when we learn from our missteps—and that mistakes are a vital part of learning, not something to be ashamed of.

We talk about Maria’s passion for creating books that teach life lessons in supportive, relatable ways. From emotional growth to classroom confidence, her stories are perfect for sparking meaningful conversations at home or in school.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or fellow author, this episode is filled with heart, practical wisdom, and powerful reminders about the value of resilience and growth.

Additional Resources from Maria Cedolini Thompson:

To support the brain research and growth mindset concepts discussed in this episode, Maria recommends the following short videos and TED Talks for educators, parents, and students:

• Your Brain is Like a Muscle

• Mistakes Help You Grow

• The Power of Yet

• Keep Trying!

• The Magic of Mistakes

• Carol Dweck – The Power of Believing You Can Improve

• Jo Boaler – How You Can Be Good at Math

💬 “Your brain is like a muscle. Every time you make a mistake, a synapse fires in your brain, creating new pathways. If you’re not making mistakes, your brain isn’t growing. Challenges help it grow!” – Maria Cedolini Thompson

🎬 Class Dojo Growth Mindset Series for Kids (2–3 min videos):🎓 TED Talks for Parents and Educators:

• Carol Dweck – The Power of Believing You Can Improve

• Jo Boaler – How You Can Be Good at Math

🎧 Listen now on Spotify🌐 Learn more at joannmdickinsonauthor.com

🌐Mariacedolinithompson.comFollow Maria @mariadolinithompson

YouTube: @MariaThompson

Follow and watch for new episodes every week!